March 15: Finding a manufacturer and distributer

Onward to New York City did my Poom Poom prototype go. Included with the pillow was a confidentiality agreement my lawyer had drawn up to protect my trade secret information. Basically, it's an agreement that prevents other people from using the idea or passing it on to someone else, once they've seen my trademarked product. A letter of intent was also included explaining my marketing and distribution strategy.

On July 7, 2004, a Poom Poom was delivered to John Mayer's manager, Mr. Michael Solomon. Our previous e-mails and telephone conversations had been positive, leaving me encouraged about Mr. Solomon's interest in my celebrity pillow. Hopefully, upon receiving it, he would allow me the use of John Mayer's image.

Approximately two weeks later, I received a very nice rejection e-mail from Mr. Solomon. Both he and John Mayer agreed the idea was clever, but that John was not "pillow" material. John's musical direction was taking a turn from a love-song-sweetheart pop singer to a more serious rhythm-and-blues musician. Creating a pillow in his image may prolong the past stereotype.

That was a very bad day for me. I had put all my eggs into that basket and had not prepared or thought about rejection. Unfortunately, I became very discouraged. For two months, I could not find the energy to devote to my business. My original plan, the driving force behind my whole idea of a celebrity pillow, had crumbled. I had to take a hiatus.

In October of 2004, I realized that I still had a good idea; I just needed to find an artist who was willing to become a pillow. I needed a bigger picture of the future. I needed a real game plan.

My lawyers advised me to say little about my idea until I had something solid in the works. We knew this concept had the potential to become a huge moneymaker. It was odd, though, that those times I perhaps disclosed too much information, were those moments that gave me the greatest direction.

One day while at work, I was casually lamenting to my friend and co-worker, Eric Worden, about the state of my business. He mentioned Jeff Swartz, who is president of Powerhouse Advertising. Eric did not really know him, but had heard about him through a friend.

Powerhouse is a local agency that specializes in custom, imprinted merchandise. It supplies products, provides service and promotional ideas for small and large businesses. I looked up the number and made an appointment to meet with Jeff. That was probably the real beginning for Poom Poom. I had the trademark but I did not have a way to manufacture and distribute. After our first discussion, I knew I had found a very important ally in Jeff Swartz. He advised and found contacts that I never knew existed. Being new in this business world, insight from the experienced is priceless.

The foundation of Poom Poom was becoming stronger. With Powerhouse Advertising behind me, I had a clearer sense of direction.

Which direction did I go? In two more weeks, check out my next entry.

Across the pond we go to search for a manufacturer of the Poom Poom. Barry Privett of Carbon leaf lends a hand. Actually, Barry Privett of Carbon Leaf lends a body. Meetings, photo shoots, and sleeping famously will be covered in the next edition!

I hope you keep reading and please send me your comments, questions and opinions. Check out my web site at PoomPoom.net. We are having a Spring Close-Out. The Barry Poom Poom price has dropped. I'm clearing inventory to prepare for my second musician. Details coming soon!

Also, come down to the Shamrock Sports Festival at the Oceanfront Friday night to see Carbon Leaf performing live! I'll have my very own Poom Poom booth. I'd love to meet you.